The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde

 The Book 

Artist Basil Hallward tells his good friend Lord Henry Wooten that he is painting a most extraordinary gentleman, Dorian Grey. When Dorian shows up, Basil begs Lord Henry to stay and entertain Dorian while Basil paints. Lord Henry gently probes Dorian's young mind, and Dorian responds with a bit of naivety. Lord Henry then proceeds to explain the world to Dorian, and Dorian absorbs Lord Henry's somewhat cynical and dissipated view of the world. While reflecting the on the advantages of youth, Dorian wishes the painting could take on his sins and age, and while he himself remains eternally young. 

The painting is given to Dorian by Basil and declaring that this is the best work of Dorian Basil will ever do, Dorian is no longer needed by Basil. Lord Henry ad Dorian are now friends. 

A few days later, Dorian shows up at Lord Henry's and declares he has fallen in love with an actress. Lord Henry is amused. Dorian begs Lord Henry and Basil to attend a performance of Romeo and Juliette in a few days' time where his love, Sybil Vane, is playing Juliette. They agree. In the meantime, Dorian convinces Sybil to marry him. During the performance, Sylvia, who had been a talented actress, unexpectedly performs very poorly. Dorian is shocked and heartbroken. He had planned to make her the most famous actress in London. When he goes backstage, Sybil explains that because Dorian loves her, she cannot be an actress anymore, she now sees how ridiculous the text of Shakespeare is compared to Dorian's love for her. Dorian cannot process what she's saying and quite cruelly breaks off the engagement. Sybil cries, but to no avail. Dorian goes home, only to find that the painting of him has changed. His look in the painting is cruel. He is despondent and refuses to see people the next day. Making up his mind to rectify his sin, Dorian tries writing to Sylvia to take him back. 

Late in the afternoon, Lord Henry manages to convince Dorian's valet to let him see Dorian. And it is from his friend he learn Sylvia has committed suicide. Dorian throws away his letter to Sybil and finds he is not as upset as he might be.

He has the painting moved to an abandoned part of the house, as he cannot bear to look at the toll his sins take on him, now that he know what will happen to the painting. 

From here the novel winds its way through the rest of Dorian's life, showcasing his interests and popularity, while only hinting at the sins Dorian amasses. Until we reach the end. 

My Thoughts

This book is famous for it's queer culture, making it one of the most banned books of all times. There are definitely allusions to Dorian, perhaps, being bisexual. And his effect on men and women alike is profound. 

Oscar Wilde's way with words is simply beautiful. He clearly adhered to his aesthetic principles while writing it, and his only novel is a good look into the mores of the times and movement. And it also serves as a juxtaposition of the same. It is an interesting, if slow, read. 

How Much My Library Card Saved Me

I would  not believe the copy of the book I got from the Niles-Maine Public District Library had ever been read had not a copy of someone else's receipt fallen out. The cover of the book says it cost $24.00 at the time of purchase and that is the price we will use. 

This Book                                             $24.00

Items Reviewed This Year                  $144.97

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